By Taylor Nigrelli
Well, we’re here. We’ve reached the halfway point of a strange and surprising 2013 campaign. We’ve seen Vernon Wells hit like an all-star for a month and then like infant since. We’ve seen a multitude of young players thrust themselves into the spotlight and earn some well-deserved all-star discussion. We’ve seen teams with World Series aspirations stumble out of the gate and we’ve seen teams that weren’t given a second thought in spring training contend in and lead playoff races. We’ve seen the sport’s premier franchise begin a descent into mediocrity and another titan climb back into relevancy.
So, it’s about that time of year where we bicker and argue about who should or shouldn’t represent their league in the All-Star Game. The debates surrounding who should play in the game are almost as American as baseball itself.
So, without further ado, here is what the All-Star Game lineups should look like. Part one will cover the American League.
Positions were determined by the official MLB All Star ballot. All stats are courtesy of Baseball Reference and Fangraphs and as of July 3.
First Base: Chris Davis .329/.405/.721, 32 home runs, 4.1 WAR
Full disclosure: I had no idea who Chris Davis was before 2012. And I’m certainly not alone on that front. Up until last season he was a nobody; just another guy. Then, in 2012, he established himself as a decent power hitter in a playoff lineup. This year he has surpassed the expectations of even his mom and girlfriend (I’m assuming) by posting some of the best hitting numbers in years. He’s the first guy in more than a decade to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break and his heroics have the Orioles vying for a second-consecutive playoff appearance. He’s not just an all-star, he might be the post-steroid era’s most unexpected MVP.
Reserves: Adam Lind, James Loney
Second Base: Dustin Pedroia .321/.404/.421, 4.1 WAR, 1.3 DWAR
The 2008 AL MVP has personified the Red Sox resurgence better than any player save for Clay Buchholz. In 2012 he posted his lowest on-base and OPS numbers since his rookie year while the Sox finished in last. This year Boston is leading the AL East and Pedroia has one of the 10 highest batting averages in the American League to go with his stellar defense. This pick’s a no-brainer; there is no second baseman in the AL having close to an all-around season as Pedroia.
Reserves: Robinson Cano, Howie Kendrick
Shortstop: J.J. Hardy .263/.300/.450, 15 home runs, 1.2 DWAR
At first glance this may seem ridiculous. But it speaks more to the lack of quality hitters at the shortstop position than anything else. Hardy’s not bad by any stretch; it’s just strange to see him as the most deserving shortstop to start the All-Star Game. His on-base percentage is ugly but he hits for decent contact, good power for an infielder and he’s an excellent defender. It appears baseball needs Derek Jeter now more than ever.
Reserves: Jhonny Peralta, Jed Lowrie
Third Base: Miguel Cabrera .368/.458/.678, 1.136 OPS, 26 home runs, 4.9 WAR
After winning the Triple Crown as the second-best player in the American League in 2012, Cabrera has somehow improved and is on pace to top his home run and RBI totals while his batting numbers have also sky-rocketed. Because of Brady Anderso- er, I mean Chris Davis, Cabrera likely won’t win the Triple Crown again this year. But he’s the favorite to earn his second consecutive MVP. And this time, he might actually deserve it.
Reserves: Manny Machado, Evan Longoria
Catcher: Joe Mauer .318/.402/.475, 3.7 WAR
I understand he’s not much of a catcher anymore, but this is where Mauer was listed on the voting site. He may now be more known for commercials than baseball but make no mistake; Mauer is still one of the best contact hitters in the game. There’s no catcher in the American League who comes close to rivaling his hitting prowess.
Reserves: Jose Molina, Carlos Santana
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz .320/.406/.607, 16 home runs
When he’s healthy Ortiz is still one of the game’s best sluggers. He’s remained effective at 37- so long as you don’t ask him to play the field or leg out a double. Ortiz is one of the game’s best pure hitters, the perfect DH.
Reserve: Edwin Encarnacion
Outfield: Mike Trout .315/.391/.542, 13 home runs, 20 steals 3.4 OWAR
Trout isn’t quite playing up to the standards of his God-like 2012 rookie campaign. He’s stealing fewer bases, hitting for less power and his defensive metrics have plunged (although that’s likely due to poor luck more than anything). But he’s hitting more doubles and triples and has been on a tear (.358/.433/.541) the past month or so. He likely won’t be a part of any MVP controversy this year but, if things break right, he could be in the thick of the batting title race.
Outfield: Alex Gordon .288/.349/.421, 2.4 WAR
Over the past few seasons baseball fans have had to adjust to considering Gordon a guy who reached his potential later than intended instead of a total bust. He hits for average, gets on base, has some pop, hits a TON of doubles (usually) and plays solid defense. This has actually been the weakest of the last three years for Gordon. After hitting 96 doubles the past two seasons, he has only 15 this year. However, this is also the weakest year for American League outfielders so Gordon may finally have his shot to start.
Outfield: Jacoby Ellsbury .299/.362/.406, 33 steals, 1.0 DWAR
Ellsbury is the third of four Red Sox I’ve slated to start the game. Much like his teammates, he’s rebounded from a disappointing 2012 season. Ellsbury was plagued with injuries throughout the season and played in only 74 games. This year he’s re-established himself as the classic leadoff type. He hits for contact, leads the AL in steals and plays solid defense.
Reserves: Shane Victorino, Brett Gardner, Leonys Martin
Pitcher: Clay Buchholz 9-0, 1.71 ERA, 1.020 WHIP
Of all the quick turnarounds in Boston, this one may be the most dramatic (of the positive ones that is. Mr. Rask and Mr. Hernandez are fighting over the negative side right now). Buchholz went from a below-average starter to Cy Young favorite in one season. Although he’s been injured for about a month now, he’s at least earned the recognition of being an All-Star starter even if he won’t be able to play in the game.
Reserves: Max Scherzer, Hisashi Iwakuma (I understand there will be 10+ pitchers but these are the ones I think have a case to start the game.)
Part II with the National League lineup will be out some time tomorrow. Stay hungry, my friends.
Leave a Reply